In Which I Get Grumpy
photo by reynys
I’m going to take a stand on this soapbox here for a minute. One, because I feel a lot taller than you all and that makes me feel more important. Two, because it’s my blog. And three, because there’s something that irks me and deserves a post. And entire post.
(Disclaimer: If what I’m about to say applies to you, I in no way mean you’re a horrible person. You’re not even a bad person. You’re really nice. I mean that. So don’t take it personally. Consider this rant a live-and-learn moment. Or read one of my other posts. Your choice.)
I thought that I’d take on smokers today. Because why not? The longer I’ve lived in apartments, the lower my tolerance has become for cigarettes. Since this is really a health blog, I’ll start with the fact that smoking kills. Big surprise. (And if you thought that was a big surprise, you may need to go back to school. Or watch TV. Or talk to other humans.) It also harms the health of innocent bystanders in the form of secondhand smoke. And even the little grubby particles left on furniture and clothing are no good for our lungs. So, yeah, in a nutshell it sucks for all parties involved.
Now that we’ve cleared up the obvious, let’s move on to logistics.
photo by justin shearer
When you smoke in your apartment, those particles don’t stay stuck to your own walls and carpet. They don’t hit your vent and bounce back into your own smoky zone. Here’s what happens: You take a puff and all of that stinky, chemically, gonna-kill-me air wafts its way up to your vent, between our walls, and into my kitchen. And bathroom. And living room. By the time you’re done sucking the cancer stick dry, the smoke has filtered into my apartment completely, forcing me to pointlessly dry already clean clothes just to replace the smoke scent with Summer Fresh Bounce.
As if the smell weren’t disgusting—which it is, by the way—it also has a really annoying affect on my nose. Those little smoke particles bother my nostrils so much they quit. That’s right. They swell right up and prevent any air from going in. In case you don’t get what I’m saying: I can’t breathe. I get so congested that a headache is always inevitable. So, you see what’s going on then? You smoke. I get nasal congestion and a pounding headache. Plus a racked-up electric bill from all of the non-laundry I’ve been drying. Oh, and a dinner that smells like a cross between chicken and an ashtray. Mmm, mmm, good.
Here’s my solution: You go out onto your balcony to smoke. Never inside. Ever. If we can agree on that, I promise I won’t shoot nerve gas from my vent into your apartment. Deal?
What are your thoughts on smoking in an apartment, restaurant, bar, outdoor cafe—wherver?
17 comments
I’ll join you on your soap box.
Smoking is banned in restaurants in my neck of the woods so when I do encounter a smoker it’s usually when I’m sitting next to them in traffic when they have their windows down. IT FREAKS ME OUT! Just yesterday I saw a lady in a mini van smoking with kids in the back seat. I was outraged! There should be criminal charges for people like this.
End rant.
Thankyouverymuch!
[Reply]
Tracey Reply:
March 17th, 2010 at 8:43 am
Joanna–I was spoiled when I lived in MA, MD, and PA because there was no smoking in bars or restaurants. In Virginia, we still have a smoking section. Sigh.
[Reply]
Smoking is DISGUSTING!
When I moved from San Diego to Northern VA, I was disgusted by all the smoke. Bleh!
[Reply]
I hate smoking…I’m not looking forward to moving to an apartment complex next year that allows smoking…it should be banned to the outside in all places! I just read an article the other day about “3rd-hand smoking”, meaning smoke can stay in couches, curtains, etc. for years and actually cause physical harm to nonsmokers. Not very pleasant to read.
[Reply]
I used to live in a different high rise condo and smoke from a unit beneath us used to travel through the fireplace…it drove me crazy! But there was nothing I could do about it. That drove me even crazier!!
[Reply]
this is a good timing for this post — i thought the exact same thing today when i saw a smoker outside…fresh air outside and someone with a cigaretter — i guess i shouldnt judge…but i wonder!
[Reply]
Austin passed a no-smoking rule in resturaunts and bars a few years back and I LOVE IT!!! I feel like I should be able to go to a resturaunt or a bar and not come home reeking like ciragrettes! If someone wants to smoke…fine…I DO believe it is an addiction but I don’t want to smell like it either! It totally grosses me out. I have never smoked…albeit one puff in college and immediately decided it was disgusting…and I do not think it looks remotely attractive male or female!
Sorry you have to deal with smokey neighbors! UGH!
[Reply]
I am with you smoking is GROSS. Bars and resturants in Houston are smoke free which is great.. but it drives me crazy when I see people standing in front of the DOOR and smoking.. I usually say something to them.. I also find it amazing when I see high school and college kids smoking.. HELLO are you not listening.. are not watching TV?
[Reply]
I could not agree with you more and am SO HAPPY Illinois became smoke free. That being said – they have a “smoking area” about 20 feet away from our office building door – and I don’t care – in the winter time the cigarette smoke lingers and smells like ass!
Oh, and for some reason our older receptionist who smokes, thinks its cool to just spray on more perfume as the day wheres on to where she smells like a hooker wearing an ashtray necklace!
[Reply]
Tracey Reply:
March 17th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Biz, that was hysterical: “she smells like a hooker wearing an ashtray necklace!” I feel your pain, though. The smokers at my work spray aerosol bathroom spray on them after a smoke. Not a nice mix of scents.
[Reply]
I’m totally with you. Smoking is disgusting, but if you choose to exercise your right to do it, please don’t pollute my air in the process.
[Reply]
Smoking is just awful. I can’t believe people still do it because it stinks, it is horrible for your health, and it’s just gross!
[Reply]
My neighbor goes out on her deck to smoke all the time, and the smoke blows into my bedroom window! It drives me insane so I can totally relate to what you’re going through.
[Reply]
Ooo that’s awful! I’m sorry to hear about you having to live next to the Marlboro Man. I really can’t stand the smell of smoke, so I imagine if it were filling my apartment I’d be outraged. I think going outside is the number one thing to do. My dad smoked in our house for 12 years and I hated it always. Everything smells and yellows over time. It’s like seeing people smoke in their cars with the windows rolled up! Yikes!
[Reply]
my hometown has the strictest smoking law in the nation. they were the first to ban smoking in your own apartment/car. i used to smoke (probably the #1 thing i’m ashamed of!!) but am happy to say that i quit cold turkey and never went back. if onlye veryone would do the same thing!
[Reply]
Hello Tracey, I am happy I read your comment on the fitnessista blog…and found out yours
[Reply]
Tracey Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 8:00 am
Luna–I’m happy you did, too!
[Reply]
Leave a Comment